"And what about what this means to us? Does that matter?"
"Of course it matters."
"Then prove it. Stay. Finish your job. Come home when you're supposed to and we'll tell him together. Like adults. Not like teenagers sneaking around."
She's right. I know she's right. But the weight in my chest won't lift.
My phone rings.
We both look at it. Luke's name on the screen.
"Don't answer it," Callie says.
"I have to."
"Ethan."
I swipe to accept. "Hey."
"Hey." Luke sounds tired. "You got a minute?"
"Yeah. What's up?"
"I'm worried about Callie. She drove to Denver last night. Said she needed space. But that's not like her."
My eyes meet Callie's. She's shaking her head. Mouthing don't tell him.
"She seemed fine when I talked to her," I say carefully.
"Did you see her?"
The question hangs there. I could lie. Could say no. Could buy us more time.
"Yeah," I say. "She's here with me."
Silence. Long and heavy.
"She's with you," Luke finally says. His voice is flat.
"Yeah."
"In Denver."
"Yeah."
"And you didn't think to mention this when she called me this morning?"
"Luke—"
"Let me talk to her."
I hand Callie the phone. She takes it like it might explode.
"Hey," she says.
I can't hear Luke's side of the conversation. Can only watch Callie's face as she listens. Her jaw tightens. Her eyes go hard.
"I'm an adult, Luke. I don't need your permission to visit a friend." Pause. "That's not what this is about." Pause. "Fine. Yes. We'll talk when I get home."
